Steckel, Varlamov in, Semin ... not sure

Alex Ovechkin was still holding out, playing the “we’ll see” and “if I play” game, but all signs still point to him being in the lineup tonight at Madison Square Garden.

The Caps recalled Michal Neuvirth and Jay Beagle — Neuvirth because Jose Theodore returned to D.C. for personal reasons and Beagle as insurance in case David Steckel can’t play. A team offical said Theodore will return to the team tomorrow (practice at Kettler). Semyon Varlamov will start in net for the Caps, so Neuvirth would only play in a relief role.

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Steckel was only on the ice briefly, but he said he’s playing against the Rangers. Beagle could still play though, because Alexander Semin didn’t take the morning skate and Bruce Boudreau was a little suspicious in his answers about No. 28. First, he said Semin was just taking his option and skipping the morning session, but then he wouldn’t confirm if he is playing or not. He did practice with the team yesterday in Newark.

Milan Jurcina and Boyd Gordon also did not skate. Boudreau said Jurcina is on injured reserve, so he wasn’t eligible to play tonight if he was healthy.

That’s all for now — sorry this is a little late, but I just went back to the laptop repair store to pick up my computer. If you’re ever in NYC and need laptop repair in a pinch, I recommend LaptopMD on W. 35th Street.

I am also deeply, deeply disappointed that several of the Caps did not know who Jim Gaffigan was this morning. [NOTE: I saw him perform unexpectedly in the middle of an amateur show at United Citizens Brigade last night]. Clearly, they need to spend some time on YouTube to learn all about hot pockets and bacon. [SPOILER ALERT: If Gaffigan’s next Comedy Central special involves a heavy dose of Domino’s and Subway … well, I’ll be able to tell you I told you so].